Irak

MAIN PHYTOGENETIC RESOURCES IN IRAQ AND THE MAIN THREATS

There is great cultivated biodiversity in Iraq, as well as many plants that are grown for medicinal or ornamental purposes and for forestry uses.

Marshland vegetation is very diverse. The vegetation on the high mountains in the north is largely used for grazing and forage and comprises a large number of endemic species. Forest areas are dominated by the Quercus genus, although there are also small isolated forests comprising mostly Pinus halepensis var. brutia. Other tree species present in Iraq’s mountainous regions are Juniperus oxycedrus, Pistacia mutica and Prunus orientalis.

STATUS OF IN-SITU AND EX-SITU CONSERVATION

Iraq seems to have no in-situ conservation activities at present but these are being planned through a project for collaboration with Iran, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon under the supervision of the IGPRI.

In 1977 in Abu Ghraib the National Germplasm Bank was built with assistance from FAO and IPGRI. Collecting activities began in 1989, creating about 1,400 accessions on the country’s different crops. 5,000 wheat accessions ceded by the US were added subsequently. The germplasm collection of forestry species has not yet been begun. The government plans to start collecting fruit tree germplasm in the near future.

Centers of plant diversity

Iraq is located at 38°48’E and 29°37’N, and occupies about 4,444,500 square kilometres. Its climate is mostly arid and continental, with very hot summers and very cold winters. There is less rainfall in the south than in the north. Iraq is undoubtedly in an excellent geographical position, ranging from mountain areas where temperatures drop below zero to desert areas with very high temperatures.

These different environments have led to very diversified farming in the country. Iraq mainly comprises the following regions:

1. LowerMesopotamia

2. Desertregions

3. Mountainousregions